Expensive Home 'Upgrades' That Aren’t Worth the Money, According to Experts

When it comes to home renovations, it’s easy to get swept up in picture-perfect Pinterest boards. However, not every seemingly glamorous upgrade is a good one—especially when it comes to long-term value. In fact, many expensive features can turn into money pits, draining your budget without adding any resale appeal.

A recent study even revealed that one in five home renovations exceed their budget by over $5,000; bathroom and kitchen projects are the priciest—and the most regretted. The lesson? High price tags don't always guarantee quality. Here, we spoke to experts about the expensive features that you should reconsider.

Swimming Pools

A swimming pool feels like the ultimate luxury, but the expense rarely pays off. Installation can run into six figures, and upkeep costs—chemicals, repairs, and safety measures—will add up quickly.

“Buyers often view pools as a significant maintenance headache, a safety hazard, and a luxury they don’t want,” says Olivia Martin, an interior designer at Berberorugs. Many people may only be willing to pay less for a home with a pool—or skip it entirely.

Luxury Kitchen Appliances

High-end fridges, ovens, and ranges can add serious sticker shock to a renovation, costing thousands more than reliable mid-range options. The truth? Most buyers won’t care if the stove is a prestige brand, as long as it works well and keeps the energy bills in check.

“Energy efficiency is the most important factor for the majority of buyers," says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts.

So if you’re upgrading with resale in mind, focus instead on sleek, functional pieces that look good and perform efficiently. Unless you're really serious about cooking, skip the chef-grade package that is often more about status than everyday mealmaking.

High-Maintenance Flooring

Marble floors, exotic woods, and other high-maintenance materials might look stunning, but they come with a price—both up front and over time. Installation costs are steep, and the upkeep can feel never-ending.

“Long-lasting options usually appear equally attractive at reduced prices,” says Dow. Instead of covering the whole home with these materials, save them for a statement area, like an entryway or powder room. Use durable, lower-maintenance options elsewhere for the same impact at a fraction of the cost.

Built-In Furniture

Custom built-ins—such as desks, entertainment centers, or bunk beds—may sound like smart upgrades, but they often backfire. They’re expensive to install, hard to change, and lock the space into one specific use.

“Built-in furniture restricts the roominess. Customers tend to love portable furniture that they can move around,” says Dow. What feels perfectly tailored now can quickly feel dated or limiting. Flexible, freestanding pieces give future buyers the freedom to make the space their own.

Niche Rooms

Elaborate home theaters, yoga studios, or game rooms may feel like a dream upgrade, but they often turn into costly mistakes. They require expensive custom renovations, and they only appeal to a very narrow audience.

“Buyers may not want or need these specialized rooms, and such features can even detract from the home’s value if they aren’t a good fit for their lifestyle,” says Martin. The exception? A sauna, which combines wellness with practicality, and has broader appeal.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are often marketed as a sleek, modern upgrade, but they come with hidden costs. Installation typically requires retrofits, which can be expensive, and the units themselves carry a high upfront cost.

“They are not very cost-effective in less cold climates,” says Dow. Unless you live in a region with consistently high energy demands, it's not a justifiable investment.

Overly Unique Décor

Overly personal designs, like an all-pink Barbiecore room or vibrant built-ins, demand custom work that’s difficult (and expensive) to reverse.

“Personal aesthetic choices don’t add resale value," says Martin. "Buyers prefer a neutral palette they can personalize, rather than having to renovate a highly specific, themed design."